Preamble

The preamble to the United Nations Charter

A preamble is an introductory and expressionary statement in a document that explains the document's purpose and underlying philosophy. When applied to the opening paragraphs of a statute, it may recite historical facts pertinent to the subject of the statute. It is distinct from the long title or enacting formula of a law.

In parliamentary procedure using Robert's Rules of Order, a preamble consists of "Whereas" clauses that are placed before the resolving clauses in a resolution (formal written motion).[1] However, preambles are not required to be placed in resolutions.[1] According to Robert's Rules of Order, including such background information may not be helpful in passing the resolution.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Robert, Henry M.; et al. (2011). Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Da Capo Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-306-82020-5.